It’s true, there are things you cannot outsource. Let’s just put that out there first, because many people tend to focus on that instead of looking at just how much outsourcing can make a difference in your life.
Stress is very real, and one of the factors behind it is taking on more than you can handle. Stress diminishes valued relationships. It affects your health by weakening your immune system and making you susceptible to illness. It prevents you from being able to enjoy life.
Beyond burnout and poor health, stress can drain the joy out of your activities, even those activities that once brought you joy. Stress management is very vital to success in life, and outsourcing is a huge part of being successful.
You cannot possibly outsource all the mundane things in your life; there are some you’ll just have to handle. However, there are tasks you aren’t really great at, and there are even some that fill you with dread just thinking about them. Well, have you considered outsourcing them to someone who is good at them and might actually even enjoy doing them? You may even find that you enjoy something, except for a little aspect attached to it, which you can then outsource while you handle the rest yourself.
You are a limited resource, and the key to success is reserving your energy for your best and highest use.
Sure, you’ll have to part with some money in most cases, but isn’t it better than burning out, producing substandard work, or missing out on the important things in your life?
Take parenting, for instance, motherhood in particular. It’s not necessarily a bad thing if every runny nose is wiped by you, and every single diaper changed by you, but they don’t have to be. Can you really shine in your career or business if you’re struggling with shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, school run, errands, kids’ homework and entertainment ALL BY YOURSELF? What kind of work would you be producing? What quality of service would you be rendering?
If you’re married without children yet, talk to your partner about putting money aside for a housekeeper and a nanny, starting from now. Trust me, you want to take advantage of this period if you want to continue to thrive in your career, enjoy your relationships, and impact the world around you.
Anyone who has tried to do everything by themselves in every area of their lives can tell you that it’s not a good way to live.
As we prepare for the New Year, start considering outsourcing. Be honest and practical about what you can handle. Then get help with the rest. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not just childcare that can be outsourced. Meal planning and cooking for the household, doing laundry, keeping the house sparkling, etc., are things that can be outsourced. Getting everything done is not the same as doing them yourself.
Outside of the home, business owners can outsource things like delivery, social media management, driving, answering the phone, uploading blog/website content, and a host of other tasks.
The virtual assistant industry in Nigeria is growing, and identifying which tasks a VA can handle for you may mean the difference between where you are now and where you want to be.
Start planning to outsource today, and open yourself up to greater happiness and fulfillment.
